nt on
their way. After some days they came to the kingdom of the Tsar
Panthui. And when the Tsar heard of the arrival of Ivan Tsarevich he
went out to meet him; and, greeting the false Tsarevich, he took him
by the white hands, conducted him into his marble halls, seated him at
his oaken table, and they feasted and made merry. Then Tsar Panthui
asked the false Tsarevich what had brought him to his kingdom, and he
answered: "My gracious lord, I am come to sue for the hand of your
daughter, the fair Princess Tseria."

"Gladly will I give you my daughter to wife," replied Panthui.

In the course of their talk the false Ivan said to the Tsar Panthui:
"Let my servant, I pray, do the lowest work in the kitchen, for he has
greatly annoyed me on my journey." So the Tsar immediately commanded
Ivan to be set to do the most menial work, whilst his squire feasted
and made merry with the Tsar.

A few days after this an army was seen marching against the kingdom of
Panthui, threatening to lay it waste and take the Tsar prisoner.
Thereupon Panthui called the false Ivan and said: "My dear future
son-in-law, a hostile army has come to attack my dominions: drive the
enemy back and I will give you my daughter, but only on this
condition." And the squire answered; "Well and good, I will do as you
desire; but only by night--in the day I have no luck in fight."

As soon as night drew on and everyone in the castle had gone to rest,
the false Ivan went out into the open court, called to him the true
Tsarevich, and said: "Ivan Tsarevich, be not angry with me for taking
your place; forget it all, do me one service, and drive the enemy from
this kingdom." And Ivan answered: "Go and lie down to sleep--all shall
be accomplished." Then the squire went and lay down to sleep, and Ivan
cried with a loud voice: "Where is my Bulat, the Brave Companion?" In
an instant Bulat stood before him, and asked: "What service do you
require now? What is your need? Tell me forthwith." Then Ivan
Tsarevich told him his need, and Bulat desired him to saddle his horse
and put on his armour; and then cried with a loud voice:

"Sivka Burka! he!
Fox of Spring! Appear!
Like a grass blade, here
Stand before me!"

The horse bounded till the ground shook; from his ears rose a column
of steam, and from his nostrils issued flames; but when he came up to
Bulat he stood still. Then Bulat the Brave Companion mounted the
horse, and Ivan Tsarevich seated hims